22-09-2025, 06:29 PM
The next evening, twilight dbangd the city in a soft purple haze. The AC hummed inside the living room, a feeble defense against the humid air. Madhuri reached home from work, sat on the sofa in her loose shirt and pajamas, still haunted by the close encounter on the terrace with Ishaan.
His eyes narrowed with sullen jealousy as he rushed and snatched the cards from Ishaan.
She glanced at Ramesh, who is flipping through shows on Netflix, oblivious to the storm within her. She quickly surfed a few pics on her phone and changed her wallpaper.
Madhuri : “Ramesh,” she said, her voice a forced lilt, “how about some mehndi? It’s been a while.” She offered a shy smile, playing a happy wife, though her heart raced for a naughty plan.
Ramesh : “When is the last time I saw you being shy,” his face lit up. He grabbed a mehndi cone from a drawer, settling beside her. “Let’s make it special.”
His fingers worked deftly, tracing intricate patterns on her palms, binding her hands as the paste dried.
Ramesh : “All done,” he said, kissing her forehead gently. “Don’t work those hands, love. Let it dry. I’ll check on dinner.” He left, humming, unaware of the chasm between them.
Alone, she entered her bedroom and glanced through the door for Ishaan. As he passed by the stairs heading down, she shouted from inside, “Can anyone come over?” and Ishaan sauntered in.
Ishaan : “You called, aunty?”
Madhuri : “I need help with something.” she said, sitting next to the vanity table, her voice thick with need. Her eyes locked onto his.
Ishaan : “What can I do?” he said, smirking at her mehndi-covered hands.
Madhuri : “Can you just… check my mails, my hands are a little busy,” she said, nodding toward a pile of envelopes on the table, an excuse to keep him near.
![[Image: 117a.png]](https://i.ibb.co/JjS2SJt4/117a.png)
Abhi : “Mom, was that you calling?” his voice sliced through the moment. Her son stood in the doorway, a bit embarrassed to enter the bedroom.
His eyes narrowed with sullen jealousy as he rushed and snatched the cards from Ishaan.